Questions & Answers about this model powered by

We have a team of experts and an active community here to answer any questions you have. In addition to help from the community, our experts actively follow up on questions to get you the information you need.

I have a Kenmore sewing machine model 385.1695180. The bobbin winder doesn't spin and I can't wind the bobbin. I took off the top and when I try to turn the rubber ring it is very hard to turn. The rubber ring looks fine, and I'm not sure why the bobbin winder isn't working. Can you tell me how this works and what might be wrong so I can get the right parts and fix it.

Posted March 01, 2010

Answers

Lyle W ,
March 03, 2010

Make sure that you are following the steps shown below to wind the bobbin. If the bobbin winder is not working, you could have a problem with the clutch on the handwheel or the bobbin winder mechanism. These types of failures will normally need to be diagnosed and repaired by a service technician. There is a parts list diagram available for your sewing machine on the Sears PartsDirect website. There is not a repair manual or service guide for this model that will show how to diagnose and fix this problem. Ordering the correct parts to fix this problem will normally require physical examination of the machine by a technician who has experience and training in sewing machine repair. If you are able to unplug the sewing machine and examine the machine yourself to determine the cause of the failure then you may be able to order the parts and fix the machine on your own.

If you do not feel confident repairing this problem yourself, then you can have it repaired by a Sears technician. Here is a link that will provide the nearest drop-off locations: Sears Home Services .